Schrader traffic isn't safe for kids

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published February 6, 2007

Schrader traffic isn't safe for kids

The fears that parents of Schrader Elementary students have had for a long time happened Feb. 2. There was an accident involving several vehicles in the northbound lanes of Little Road, just south of the light at Star Trail. Two Schrader students were passengers in one of those cars. In the afternoon, as school was being dismissed, another accident happened on Little Road, just north of Star Trail.

When Little Road was widened a few years ago, the blinking warning lights were removed. A speed limit of 35 mph is posted, but I have yet to see it obeyed even by the bus drivers and deputies . So far I have seen only one officer observing the traffic, and all he did was flash his headlights at oncoming cars. Since so many children have to cross Little Road to get to Schrader, I sure hope the departments that control this situation are not holding off changes until a child is seriously hurt or, God forbid, killed by a speeder.

This needs to be addressed now, not later. This area is not safe for the students.

Deer Park Elementary is also on a six-lane divided road. It has a 15 mph speed limit, and usually there is an officer there watching, plus they have flashing lights. Don't the students at Schrader deserve the same protection?

Marge Iwankovitsch, Bayonet Point

Make more costs tax-deductible

We have read how every branch of government wants to help the homeowner with insurance relief, but they cannot come up with a way that will be acceptable to the lobbyists who fund their campaigns. Since this apparently leaves our representatives in a quagmire, I would like to offer some options they could explore.

If our laws allow mortgage companies and banks to require us to have homeowners insurance to secure a loan, shouldn't it be tax-deductible from federal income tax? This would provide at least a small measure of financial relief to homeowners.

Why aren't all medical expenses tax-deductible on the federal return regardless of the person's income? A change in this tax bite would also allow more cash to be directly used by individuals and families, thus infusing more cash into the economy.

A huge portion of the price of gasoline goes to federal taxes, and the money used to buy this gasoline has already been subjected to federal income tax. I fail to understand why all taxes from gasoline purchases are not tax-deductible on the federal return. I realize the actual taxes we are subjected to have to be made public for this to happen, but that should not be a problem.

I don't think any of these suggestions would interfere with any lobbyist concerns, thus allowing our efficient method of cash-purchased government to keep on clipping along as usual and everyone should be a little happier.

Walter Brown, Spring Hill

Re: A wedding as it should be: full of spirituality Feb. 3

Thriving Jewish community is here

I have just finished reading Mindy Rubenstein's wonderful account of this spiritual celebration. While I enjoyed her recounting of this event, I feel compelled to answer Ms. Rubenstein's question whether "we'll ever be part of a thriving Jewish community." Having lived in Pasco County for the past seven years, and the prior 10 years in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, I can say that without a doubt there is a thriving Jewish community throughout the Tampa Bay area.

We have wonderful synagogues for all affiliations and vibrant organizations including the Jewish Community Center and the Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center. The Tampa Bay area has many community Jewish celebrations, a Jewish Film Festival, a weekly radio program (Sunday Simcha), and coming soon, a Jewish community cable TV program.

So, for Ms. Rubenstein and any others who are looking for "a thriving Jewish community," it is here. Like most things in life, it is up to you to participate.

Randy Sherman, Lutz

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